Pope Francis arrives in Myanmar

Cardinal says warned Francis not to use term 'Rohingya'

(ANSA) - Rome, November 27 - Pope Francis arrived in Myanmar on Monday to start his 21st apostolic trip, a visit which will also take on Bangladesh. The pontiff was greeted by Archbishop Paul Tschang In-Nam, the Apostolic Nuncio in Myanmar, and two groups of children in traditional costumes. He was also greeted by a minister representing President Htin Kyaw. At 18:00 local the pope will meet army chief General Min Aubg Hlaing, one of the country's most powerful man. Among the most delicate issues facing the pope is hown to address the persecution of the Rohingya people, many of whom have fled to Bangladesh. The use of the word Rohingya to refer to the Islamic minority is hotly contested by the majority Buddhist population. Yangon Archbishop Cardinal Charles Maung Bo told TV2000 that he had warned the pope not to use the word. "I told him that both the government and the military but also people in general and especially the police do not like this term," he said. "Let's hope he doesn't use this term because it has a very political connotation. It is a contested term," said Cardinal Bo. Francis has previously launched several appeals for the Rohingya, calling them by that name.